Stage 1: Getting Started

What is ICE and why do I also have to check in with them?

The immigration process in the United States involves several different government agencies. In addition to attending hearings at the immigration court, you will also check-in regularly with ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement). See this section for a more detailed explanation of what each government agency does.

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Where the immigration courts are responsible for deciding whether you are eligible to remain in the U.S., ICE is responsible for monitoring foreign nationals present in the U.S. to ensure they are not posing a security threat and they do not remain in the U.S. illegally. ICE also monitors where foreign nationals who are in deportation proceedings reside in the U.S. You must check-in regularly with ICE to let them know where you live.

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There are many different ways that ICE can monitor people. Some people must go to in-person check ins, some people have ankle monitors and others have applications from ICE installed on their phones. Some people will be monitored by a combination of these different methods. Whichever current method ICE is using to monitor you, it is important that you follow their instructions carefully.

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It is important that you are aware of your basic rights in interactions with ICE at your home, in the street, or at work. Immigrant Defense Project has created a brief overview of important pieces of information to keep in mind when interacting with ICE in these different environments.